Unions may take a hit in Indiana

Cathy OConnell-Cahill|Print |Share

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Bad news for unions:[1] Indiana GOP legislators have paved the way for Indiana to become the first state in a decade to adopt Right to Work laws. The bill is on its way to the full Senate, and both houses have solid GOP majorities that support the bill. Many DemocratsTuesday boycotted[2] Gov. Mitch Daniels' final State of the State address, and protesters chanted in the hallways.

Unfortunately many, in Indiana and elsewhere, are confused by what "right to work" exactly means. Such a law means that in a union shop, although by law all employees must get the benefit of union representation (and share in benefits negotiated by the union), no employees are required to pay dues or fees to the union.

Of course this has the desired effect of weakening union power and thus inevitably driving down wages and benefits. Supposedly this will help bring business to the state--and also increase incomes statewide. How's that again?